Cheryl Corson Design, LLC

An Urban Row House

Site conditions dictated a total transformation for this row house garden, located in a transitional neighborhood. The clients, both active urban professionals, needed a place to relax, cook, and entertain. They also needed an employee entry through the garden for a home based business. The clients believe in the neighborhood's future and were committed to creating a true urban oasis.

The main spaces in the new garden are defined by three curved brick seat walls capped with elegant 2" thick bluestone. The spaces are further delineated by changes in paving as the garden transitions from a crisp geometric look closest to the gate and office entry, to looser, irregular forms deeper into the space.

The deck stairs were reoriented to provide more garden space and offer much needed storage below. The lower stairs to the office were also relocated and changed to more gracious proportions. A new fence and gate enclosing the entire garden was built on site and stained a deep olive green, beautifully setting off flowers and foliage. In the back corner, a cozy burgundy pergola with a wide swing sits diagonally with two feet in and two feet out of the raised beds. Beneath the pergola are widely spaced flagstones inter-planted with thyme. A free standing wall fountain is a peaceful backdrop for the dining/office table.

Early spring flowering bulbs launch the blooming season. American wisteria climbs the pergola with restraint, and a white crepe myrtle visually separates the rear garden wall from the alley beyond. A coral bark Japanese maple in one planter helps divide the home office entry from the recreational areas of the garden. Sun loving perennials and grasses provide summer color that extends into late fall, while a mixed planting of Saint johnswort and plumbago light up the ground beneath the crepe myrtle. Evergreen Virginia creeper climbs the restored brick wall behind the fountain and the coral bark maple offers dramatic winter structure and color. The garden is irrigated for convenience and lit at night when it is most often used during the work week.

Installation: Level Green Landscape, LLC